Shoes: Boden T-Strap Pumps ($149)
From the Left, Ring: Elizabeth & James Crossband Ring ($95) Watch: Michael Kors Chronograph Watch ($250) Blouse: Thomas Mason Tuxedo Shirt ($158) Bag: Asos Vintage Briefcase ($107) Jacket: Mango Tailored Blazer ($55) Pants: Moschino Trousers ($605)
From Right, Necklace: Kate Spade Triple Strand Necklace ($73) Ring: Pandora Rhodolite Ring ($100) Bag: Asos Smart Boxy Bag ($68) Sweater: Iris & Ink Cashmere Sweater ($168) Skirt: Double Serge Skirt ($98)
For the Office. I wanted to do something a bit more masculine to complement the shoes, so I chose a classic navy pinstripe pants and a navy blazer. My preference would have been to find a full pinstripe pantsuit. Theory makes a lovely one (jacket, pants). Ann Taylor makes a nice one in the Hill Staffer price range (jacket, pants). If you need something less expensive, NY & Co has well-priced pinstripe suit separates (pants, jacket).
The blouse I chose is a tuxedo shirt from J.Crew. If you want something a bit more feminine, they also sell a tuxedo shirt in the Swiss Dot print. It’s lovely but runs a bit big. You might also consider a simple white button up. I’ve always been a big fan of the Banana Republic tops. Plus-size ladies should try this Ralph Lauren button-up blouse.
I accented the outfit with simple gold jewelry (you could swap in silver if you prefer). This big watch is a great piece but if you’d like something less expensive, this KL watch has a similar look. As for the ring, Topshop makes a similar piece for $15. And for the bag, I chose a men’s briefcase in a vintage style. Looking for something similar? Antique stores and thrift shops are a great place to find old briefcases.
For the hair, I would wear it down and in waves, an updo might be too severe. For the nails, I would choose a berry shade for the lips (Clinique Broadest Berry) and nails and a rosy, but not pink, cheek like Jouer rose blush.
For the Office. It’s been awhile since I’ve shown one of my favorite styling ideas on the blog: monochromatic outfits. I love when people mix different shades of the color. When done in the right way, it can be quite elegant.
This outfit is a combination of greys: a pencil skirt, a cashmere sweater and a chunky necklace. The skirt above is J.Crew, but this Halogen pencil is less expensive and good quality. If you’re looking for a less expensive sweater, this cashmere one from the Neiman Marcus store brand and this peplum Ann Taylor are good choices.
If the Kate Spade (currently 50%-off) is still more than you want to spend on a necklace, this marbled bib necklace from The Limited might be a good choice. Or you could try a set of faux-grey pearls a la Diane Lockhart on The Good Wife.
To bring a bit of color into the outfit, I chose this silver ring with Rhodolite accents to complement the berry color in the skirt. I like the twisted metal, it reminds me of David Yurman’s pieces. I also added a teal bag to bring in another fall hue, and at this price, why not start carrying a colorful winter bag?
For the hair, I would wear it up in a Gibson roll or maybe a braided updo (I never learned how to braid, so that’s out for me. Sad face.). For the makeup, I would stick to a similar color palette as the first outfit, but I would add a good coat of liquid eyeliner and a heavier handed mascara application. You need color on your face to offset the monochromatic palette, so deepening the eye is important and do not forget the lipstick!
5 comments
Niki says:
That grey outfit is divine!
Kate says:
I love the monochromatic option — it’s not something I would have thought of, and the berry pop of the shoes is great!
Lindsay says:
I also love the monochromatic look. Doing it in grey makes it a bit more classy than other colors, I think.
Cat says:
In colder months, what color tights would you wear with the shoes?
Belle says:
I wouldn’t. I’d either wear them with pants or micro-fishnets.